B&G Foods Inc. announced that Kenneth G. Romanzi, president and chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors, and the company mutually agreed that Romanzi would step aside as president, chief executive officer and a director, effective November 15, 2020 in order for Mr. Romanzi to pursue personal interests.

To ensure an orderly transition, the board of directors appointed David L. Wenner, a current member of the board of directors and former president and chief executive officer of B&G Foods from 1993-2014, as interim president and chief executive officer.

The company will initiate a search for a new president and chief executive officer. The board of directors has appointed a special committee to direct the search and transition process. The committee is chaired by Dennis M. Mullen, chairman of the nominating and governance committee, and also includes DeAnn L. Brunts, Charles F. Marcy, and Robert D. Mills.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at B&G Foods and am very proud of all of our accomplishments,” said Romanzi. “The business is in excellent shape and I am confident the team will continue to deliver terrific results. I wish the entire B&G Foods family all the best for a bright future.”

Stephen C. Sherrill, chairman of the board of directors of B&G Foods, said, “On behalf of our entire company, I want to thank Ken for his contributions to B&G Foods’ success over the past three years as our chief operating officer and then chief executive officer and for navigating B&G Foods through these unprecedented times and helping keep our dedicated employees safe and healthy. I wish Ken continued success in his future endeavors.”